Prabowo Orders Multi-Ministry Action to Curb Harmful Online Games After School Explosion
Key Takeaways
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JAKARTA, Investortrust.id — Four ministries will meet to draft policies limiting the negative impact of online games on students following the explosion at SMAN 72 Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, allegedly triggered by a student influenced by violent gaming content.
The joint initiative follows President Prabowo Subianto’s directive for an inter-ministerial evaluation of gaming’s social and psychological effects on children.
Education Minister for Primary and Secondary Schools Abdul Mu’ti said the discussion would involve the Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemenkomdigi), the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (PPPA), and the Ministry of Religious Affairs (Kemenag).
“We’ve begun observing behavioral changes among students linked to online games. This issue must be discussed across ministries to ensure a comprehensive policy response,” Mu’ti said in Jakarta on Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025.
He clarified that the plan does not aim to ban games entirely but to control their harmful effects, such as aggression and addiction, while promoting educational and family-supervised gaming.
“The problem is, who monitors children when they play alone in their room? Many violent behaviors are inspired by such games,” Mu’ti noted.
He emphasized that family supervision is critical in managing technology use among children, while regulatory authority over digital content remains under Kemenkomdigi. “We will coordinate because media regulation is not under the Education Ministry,” he said.
The upcoming meeting will also address digital literacy programs in schools. Mu’ti said the government aims to teach children how to navigate technology wisely through a humane, participatory approach involving parents and teachers.
“We don’t want a rigid or repressive approach. The goal is to empower families and schools to guide children wisely,” he explained.
No Game Ban Planned
Deputy Minister of Communication and Digital Angga Raka Prabowo dismissed rumors that the government plans to ban online games outright.
“The President’s directive is clear — the state must protect children in digital spaces without stifling creativity and innovation,” Angga told Investortrust.id on Monday, Nov 10, 2025.
He said Indonesia already has a comprehensive regulatory framework through Government Regulation (PP) No. 17/2025 on Children’s Digital Protection (PP TUNAS) and the Indonesia Game Rating System (IGRS).
“PP TUNAS requires all digital platforms to implement age verification and limit high-risk features for children. The government’s approach is not prohibition, but intelligent, gradual protection based on shared responsibility,” Angga explained.
He added that Communication Minister Meutya Viada Hafid has instructed platforms, industries, and families to cooperate in ensuring child safety online.
Under the IGRS system, every game must display its age category and content details, including elements of violence, online interaction, or explicit language. “For PUBG, Free Fire, and others, the government does not evaluate them individually. They must all comply with the national classification system,” Angga clarified.
He also announced that by 2026, all digital platforms must comply with PP TUNAS and IGRS as part of their legal and social responsibility.
“Digital child protection cannot rest solely on the government or industry. It’s a shared duty to ensure Indonesia’s children grow up safe, smart, and happy online,” Angga said.
Prabowo: Protect Youth from Violent Game Influence
President Prabowo Subianto first raised the issue on Sunday, Nov 9, 2025, after chairing a closed-door meeting at his Kertanegara residence in Jakarta. The discussion focused on the SMAN 72 explosion and the psychological influence of violent online games.
According to State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi, Prabowo urged ministers to find ways to mitigate gaming’s negative impact on young people.
“The President emphasized the need to restrict and find solutions to the harmful influence of certain online games,” Prasetyo said.
He cited examples like PUBG, which features realistic weapons and violent gameplay. “In those games, players are exposed to all kinds of weapons and acts of violence, which can normalize aggressive behavior,” he explained.
Prabowo also used the meeting to call for a revival of youth organizations such as karang taruna and Pramuka (scouting) to strengthen social cohesion and character education. “He reminded us that schools, teachers, and communities must stay vigilant and rebuild social awareness,” Prasetyo added.
The President expressed appreciation to the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo and emergency responders for their swift handling of the SMAN 72 case. “He thanked the officers for their quick response, securing the site, and investigating the incident,” Prasetyo said.